Applying For A Job

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Someone very close to me is currently looking for a new job. He is very highly qualified and is most definately an asset to whoever employs him. The problem is that he cannot get past the interview stage. He has Aspergers which means potential employers do not see the real person at the interview. His Aspergers traits become much stronger in an interview because it is a stressful situation. Therefore the interview thinks he is cold and unfriendly, which couldn't be further from the truth.

My question is, do you think that he should tell them up front about it so that they can take it into account or would this make it even harder to find a job?

Disclosure about a disability is a double-edged sword.

It might make them more receptive, or it might make the employer less inclined to hire him.

ADA doesn't do squat to protect handicapped people from job discrimination (in real practice).

If he cannot get through an interview because of his AS, but he can do the job, it sound like you have little to lose since he's not going to get the job in his current state.

It is fairly common for job interviewers to ask candidates "What is you major weakness?" (or some variation on this question). He could answer Asperger's syndrome and/ or briefly describe some of its major symptoms. No matter how one answers this question, the trick is to then discuss what one has done to overcome it. He could mention how certain aspects of Asperger's are also strengths (e.g., good attention to detail).